Colorado Avalanche & NHL

Alex Tanguay takes positive steps toward returning to the Avs

Colorado Avalanche left wing Alex Tanguay (40) sends the puck in to the Dallas Stars zone during the first period Oct. 15, 2013 at Pepsi Center. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Alex Tanguay took another positive step Thursday toward getting back as a regular player with the Avalanche.

Tanguay, out since Nov. 2 with knee and hip injuries, practiced with the team in a non-contact orange jersey at Family Sports Center.

"Right now, he's pacing himself. I'd say he's probably going at 60 or 70 percent," Avs coach Patrick Roy said. "Next week, we want to see some strength in the knee and his hip, so next week he's going to push hard and we'll have a better indication whether he's capable or not of coming back."

The Avs will host the New York Islanders at the Pepsi Center on Friday night to close out a seven-game homestand, which they are 4-1-1 on. Roy said Semyon Varlamov will start against New York, and also Saturday night at Minnesota.

Roy said Ryan O'Reilly, who practiced Thursday albeit in non-contact fashion, remains out on a day-to-day basis. He suggested it's unlikely O'Reilly will play against the Islanders, but that a final determination will be made Friday morning.